Keelung celebrates 400 years with 'Century Feast' cultural festival

Keelung, Taiwan, is commemorating a significant historical milestone: 400 years since the arrival of the Spanish, marking four centuries of the city's connection with the international community. To honor this occasion, the Keelung City Government has organized a grand cultural event, "Keelung 400: A Century Feast," featuring extensive musical and theatrical productions that interpret the city's historical memories and cultural landscape.

A highlight of the festival is the world premiere of "Symphony No. 13 - Keelung," composed by the U.S.-based Taiwanese composer Wen Lung-hsin. This symphonic epic is specifically crafted to capture the essence of Keelung's contemporary story.

The "Century Feast" brings together Keelung's outstanding performing arts groups under two main themes: "Theater Feast" and "Symphonic Summit." On September 18, the "Theater Feast" will feature performances by the Wind Sound Opera Troupe, Desire Theater Troupe, and Chao Xiang Yue Ji, blending traditional Taiwanese opera (Gaojiao), modern drama, and percussion artistry. These diverse forms will guide audiences through Keelung's history, allowing them to experience its rich cultural heritage and maritime spirit.

September 19's "Symphonic Summit" will showcase a collaboration between the Woodpecker Chorus, Keelung City Philharmonic Chorus, Keelung Symphony Orchestra, and Maple Leaf Dance Troupe. Special guest appearances by the Taipei Chinese Orchestra and the Keelung City Teachers' Chorus are also planned. The event will be conducted by Jiang Zhen-hao, associate conductor of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra. The program includes the classic "Concerto for Piccolo and Strings" by the late Keelung-affiliated composer Ma Shui-long, Wen Lung-hsin's "Concerto for Violin and Viola," and the world premiere of his "Symphony No. 13 - Keelung."

Additionally, composer Dr. Chen Wei-bin's "I Hear Keelung Singing" will be performed as a heartwarming choral piece integrated into the symphony, depicting Keelung's humanistic scenery and emotional landscape. The Keelung City Cultural and Tourism Bureau stated that the festival aims not only to commemorate 400 years but also to foster community identity and display Keelung's inclusive culture and port spirit, leaving a significant cultural imprint for this generation.

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The "Keelung 400: A Century Feast" is not just a performance to commemorate 400 years of Keelung, but also hopes to unite the city through artistic creation, showcasing Keelung's inclusive cultural heritage and port spirit, leaving an important cultural mark for this generation.